Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)

This live, virtual 5-day training is designed for all staff interested in improving their skills in working with the breastfeeding mother and baby. All content included on the IBLCE topical outline are covered. Participants will be taught how to use appropriate counseling skills, how to problem-solve lactation concerns, how to become an IBCLC, and most importantly, how to function hands-on as a clinician. This course is taught via didactic information, discussions, videos, and visual examples of breastfeeding problems. Certification as a lactation specialist (CLS) is achieved through attendance at the entire course, completion of assigned homework and passing the end of course exam on the last day.

2026 Dates & Times

June 24–26, 29–30
8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST

Register

July 8–10, 13–14
9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. CST

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July 22–24, 27–28
8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST

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August 12–14, 17–18
9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. CST

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September 9–11, 14–15
8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST

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September 21–25
9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. CST

Register

This is a live virtual 5 day training with 2.5 hours of pre-work. Each training day will be 9.5 hours long with two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break.

45 L-CERPS, 1 E-CERP have been approved. Participants must attend all the live, virtual sessions, complete the homework assignments and fill out an evaluation to have access to their CERPs. If a participant is unable to complete the pre-work assignment prior to the beginning of the course, alternative assignments will be provided. On the final day of the course, a 50-question online, multiple-choice exam will be provided. This exam is a requirement of the certification as a Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS).

For information on which IBLCE categories are covered in the OA grant-funded trainings, please see the IBCLC CERP Guidance document.

This 46-hour advanced lactation training is available to WIC peer counselors, CPAs, RDs, RNs and lactation staff in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa (peers not eligible), Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin (peers not eligible). It is expected that participants will have a clear understanding of all Level 2 topics. Therefore, it is highly recommended that participants have attended a Level 2 lactation training within the last 3 years.

Due to high demand, this year’s OA Grant trainings will be limited to primarily WIC Staff. For more information, please contact MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

  • Describe normal and abnormal breast development and the effect on lactation.
  • Identify components of breast milk.
  • Describe infant conditions impacting normal lactation.
  • Identify contraindications to breastfeeding.
  • Define effective milk transfer including medically indicated supplementation.

            Three instructors from Lactation Education Consultants

The deadline for registration is two weeks before the start of the training. All registrants will be placed on a short waitlist until approved by the Midwest region breastfeeding coordinators. If there is room available after WIC staff have registered, the training will be opened to maternal child health community partners. Once registered, all communication will come from Lactation Education Consultants (Stephanie Hutchinson). There is no fee for this training. In the event you need to cancel or reschedule a training, please email MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

Participants will be physically mailed a 600-page binder that includes all PowerPoint slides. Materials for the pre-course homework assignments will be provided from Lactation Education Consultants a few weeks before the training starts. The link to the end of the course exam will be provided to participants at the completion of the course.